Taylor Ward is stepping away from the Los Angeles Angels for a few days as the team placed him on the paternity list Tuesday.
Per MLB rules, players placed on the paternity list have to miss between one and three games, so expect Ward back
this week, perhaps when the Angels play the Washington Nationals on Friday. By then, Ward’s family might have grown by one.
The 30-year-old is under team control through 2026 and leads the team with 16 homers and 55 runs batted in across 103 games, so he naturally drew interest from contenders.
However, he has been extremely streaky this season, which might be why general manager Perry Minasian didn’t get an enticing offer for the outfielder. He started the year strong, much like in 2022, only to struggle in June and July. In comparison, he slashed .281/.360/.473 in 135 games in 2022 and .253/.335/.421 in 97 games in 2023.
Ward told reporters that he tried not to think about being traded despite hearing some of the rumors.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Ward said. “I just come in here every day and do the best I can to get better. Whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it. So I’m not really thinking about it.”
There is still a chance that he does get dealt next season. But, he remains arbitration-eligible next season and in 2026. The Angels would love to see him finish the season strong and build on his recent success at the plate.
The slugging outfielder had a breakthrough against the Oakland Athletics on July 28 when he hit a grand slam capping the team’s comeback in an 8-6 win.
“I think I’ve just gotten more pitches over the middle of the plate,” Ward said. “Moving forward, I’ve preached it for the last few years, that’s where I need to be getting it and swinging it. So looking for it there and not missing it.”
